Crucial Material – January 26, 2018

No funny business with the latest yield of releases, and that is a fact. It’s left it hard for us to pick a favourite… so we’ll leave that up to you! Go get ’em.

Chris Dave and the Drumhedz “Chris Dave and the Drumhedz” (Blue Note)

A heavy Jazz, Soul, and Hip Hop affair from the latest signee to the world-famous Blue Note Records. Mature and confident like it should be, the album delivers 15 flawless tracks met with a seriously all-star lineup of features from the likes of Bilal, Anderson Paak, Elzhi, and Anna Wise to name a few. Expect this one to be in collections next to Robert Glasper, The Roots, and Kendrick Lamar.Purchase Album

SiR “November” (Top Dawg Entertainment)

TDE signee SiR has been attracting an increasingly dedicated fan-base over the years with his passionate, soulful R&B music. His debut album “November” exceeds all expectations. a gorgeous, passionate and soulful new 11-track album which delves into lyrical themes of love, loss and conflict, and is backed by lush, rich, and textured production. -Selected by Martin BoevPurchase Album

V/A “Midnight In Tokyo” (Studio Mule)

Japan’s Mule Musiq kick off their brand new reissue label ‘Studio Mule’ with this 13 track compilation of deep Japanese Funk, Boogie, and Soul gems compiled by Toshiya Kawasaki and mastered by Kuniyuki Takahashi. From start to finish each track is practically flawless… Good luck trying to pick a favourite from this one!Purchase Album

Johnny Jewel “Digital Rain” (Italians Do It Better)

This album will turn your everyday life into a cinematic experience! Sharp drops of crystalline electronics drip delicately overtop of cloud-like chords creating an atmosphere of pure speechless beauty. Added bonus: The tracks blend seamlessly into one another making it one of those albums that belongs on vinyl. This one is a must for fans of Oneohtrix Point Never’s “Returnal” or Nico Niquo’s “In A Silent Way”. High-grade. -Selected by Mike JonesPurchase Album

Nightmares On Wax “Shape the Future” (Warp)

Getting better with time like a fine wine, Nightmares On Wax does it again with his first album in five years. Natural and earthy rhythms crafted with a combination of samples and live instrumentation are complimented with a wide cast of features whose themes tend to focus on remaining positive and conscientious. Perfect for a sunny Sunday morning.Purchase Album

The Jefferson Park Boys “Casual Horns, Dog”

Just when you thought there was nothing new and fresh to be added to the jazz meets boom bap template. In comes the debut release and new project known as The Jefferson Park Boys out of L.A. The trio consists of Aaron Carmack aka Mr. Carmack along with Mike Parvizi and Kenny Segal. I suggest starting with the HPOZ track! -Selected by LexisPurchase Album

Horatio Luna “Beatnick Freebeat Digiset”

Melbourne’s Henry Hicks aka Horatio Luna first appeared on our radar with last year fantastic “Local Honey” EP. This collection of beats was originally on cassette, not too sure when it originally came out but here it is available in all its digital glory. Definitely not your average beat tape though! Some serious musicianship courtesy of 7 different players in addition to Horatio Luna. -Selected by LexisPurchase Album

Portable presents RANGEr (Waella’s Choice)

2nd release from one of the most promising young British labels. The three music heads behind Waella’s Choice introduce RANGEr the brand new project from Alan Abrahams aka Bodycode aka Portable. The EP is just about as varied as the artist’s personal background (South Africa to Paris via Berlin and Lisbon) but comes together very nicely on this borderless EP fusing soul, electronics and jazz. -Selected by LexisPurchase Album

Boncana Maiga “Koyma Hondo” (Hot Casa Records)

Boncana Maiga teams up with Hot Casa to reissue 4 rare tracks recorded between 1978 and 1982 dedicated to the dance floor! Born in Gao, Mali Mr. Maiga has been one of the most popular producers of West African music since the ’60s. These tracks create an uplifting atmosphere and are sure to keep things moving smoothly.Purchase Album

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